MARTIAL ARTS TRAINER/TEACHER:
I really liked Joseph's approaches to teaching. He made a connection to martial arts and learning, and applied it to helping at risk youth. Many youth who are at risk have no desire to learn out of a text book, but what they do not realize is that they can learn just as much, if not more, from a good life mentor, which Joseph serves as. I admire his dedication and commitment to those he works with because that type of work is very challenging.

ADMITTANCE TO A BETTER LIFE:
I liked how this essay showed the struggles of what it means to be educated. It gave an insight to Michael's journey to a better life and how he made the personal decision to better himself by getting a college education. His story is inspiring because it is not easy to obtain or want a college education, especially with his background, and after reading his story, it leaves you with a positive outlook on college. If he can do it, you can do it too.

THIS I BELIEVE:
I agree a lot with this passage. One does not need to go through and education system to truly be educated. In fact, as this story shows, many people who are very well educated, did not go through schooling. In my eyes, this girls grandmother is just as well educated, and more so educated, than some of those who have a Ph.D. Like mentioned in the passage, abusing your knowledge defeats the knowledge you have.